Cognitive Development in Adolescence Cognitive Development in Adolescence What is cognitive development? Cognitive development means the growth of a child’s ability to think and reason. This growth happens differently from ages 6 to 12, and ages 12 to 18. Children ages 6 to 12 years old develop the ability to think in concrete ways. These are called concrete operations. These things are called concrete because they’re done around objects and events. This includes how to: Combine (addition) Separate (subtract or divide) Order (alphabetize a...

Overview of the Male Anatomy Overview of the Male Anatomy The following is an overview of the male reproductive anatomy: Click image to enlarge Scrotum. The bag of skin that holds and helps to protect the testicles. The testicles make sperm and, to do this, the temperature of the testicles needs to be cooler than the inside of the body. This is why the scrotum is located outside of the body. Testes (testicles). The testes are 2 small organs that are found inside the scrotum. The testes are responsible for making sperm and are also ...

Puberty: Adolescent Male Puberty: Adolescent Male How much will my adolescent grow? The teenage years are also called adolescence. During this time, the teenager will see the greatest amount of growth in height and weight. Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. An adolescent may grow several inches in several months followed by a period of very slow growth, then have another growth spurt. Changes with puberty may happen gradually or several signs may become visible at the same time. There is a great amount...

Care of the Uncircumcised Penis in Teens Care of the Uncircumcised Penis in Teens The penis, the outer reproductive organ of the male, consists of 2 parts—the shaft and the glans. The glans is the tip of the penis, while the shaft is the main part of the penis. All boys are born with a foreskin, or a covering over the tip of the penis. Some boys are circumcised. This means that this covering of skin is removed. Other boys are not circumcised and may have skin that covers the tip of the penis. The decision to circumcise a baby boy may depend on...

Physical Exam: Adolescent Male Physical Exam: Adolescent Male What happens during a physical exam? A physical exam is an important part of staying healthy. Physicals should be done yearly and before starting sports. The healthcare provider will examine the eyes, which may include checking vision, and ears, which may include hearing. He or she will check the nose, throat, neck, mouth, chest, abdomen, back, and legs and arms. The healthcare provider will assess growth and changes of puberty. He or she may also screen for high blood pre...

HIV and AIDS HIV and AIDS What is AIDS? AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This kills or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. HIV is most commonly spread by sexual contact with an infected partner. Another important means of spreading HIV is contact with infected blood from contaminated needles, syringes, or other drug paraphernalia. The term AIDS applies to the most advanc...

Relationship Development Relationship Development Relationship development that occurs during adolescence Changes in adolescent physical and cognitive development are also accompanied by major changes in an adolescent's relationships with others. This includes family members and friends. Family relationships are often reorganized with the onset start of puberty, the desire for increased independence, and increased emotional distance between teens and their parents. Adolescent attention often shifts to a more intense focus on so...

Safer Sex Guidelines for Adolescents Safer Sex Guidelines for Adolescents What is "safe" sex? The only safe sex is no sex, according to most health care providers. Abstinence may be the only true form of "safe" sex. All forms of sexual contact carry some risk. A person can reduce his or her risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease with certain precautions and safe behaviors. As a parent, you can teach your child about safer sex before he or she becomes sexually active. Talking to your adolescent about safe sex The American Academ...